Review by David Gardette
Premiering in 2011 and making its Broadway debut in 2012, Bring It On: The Musical brought together an impressive creative team including Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), Amanda Green (High Fidelity) and Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q). Inspired by the popular teen film, the musical earned two Tony Award nominations and was notable for being the first Broadway musical to feature a transgender high school character. But with a creative team this impressive, while the show is entertaining, it never quite becomes as memorable or distinctive as you might expect. With its blend of contemporary music, competitive cheerleading and themes of friendship, identity and leadership the show continues to resonate with teen audiences 15 years later.
The story centres on Campbell (Emily McDougall), an accomplished cheer captain whose planned path to national success is thrown into disarray when a school rezoning unexpectedly transfers her to Jackson High. Struggling to adapt to her new environment that values individuality and self-expression over competitive cheerleading traditions, Campbell finds herself drawn into a vibrant dance crew led by the confident Danielle (Alyssa Jandayan). As the two worlds collide, rivalries emerge, friendships are tested and loyalties shift. While the narrative follows a familiar coming-of-age narrative, it succeeds in delivering the message of embracing difference, finding one’s place and appreciating diversity.
The cast brings great commitment and energy to the stage. While performance styles occasionally vary between naturalistic and more traditional musical theatre approaches, the ensemble work hard to maintain the show’s upbeat momentum. Vocally, there are some ambitious moments that do not always land perfectly, but they reflect a cast eager to give everything to their performance.
The production is well served by its technical elements. The band, led by MD Claire Gurrin, delivers a great sound, while the lighting design (Harrison Croft) creates atmosphere and visual interest, and costumes (Karen Spencer) are thoughtfully designed and perfectly capture the high-school setting. The set, although functional and practical, does not quite match the larger-than-life energy that the story aims to project.
Of course, Bring It On is remembered primarily for its choreography, and this production delivers plenty of athleticism and enthusiasm. The cheerleading sequences are well executed and showcase the cast’s dedication to the skill although some of the routines were repetitive minimising their overall impact.
While the Bring It On material itself may not be among the most memorable musicals of its era, the production provides an enjoyable night of theatre that this cast celebrates with their teamwork, determination and joy of performance and the enthusiastic audience appreciated every moment of it.
Bring It On is now playing at the National Theatre, St Kilda. For more information and tickets: https://theatrical.com.au/bringiton/
